Horse Science M.S.

The Master of Science in Horse Science at MTSU centers on a curriculum designed to
prepare graduates for the multi-faceted equine industry. Programs are tailored to
students’ interests and produce graduates able to adapt to and thrive in this dynamic
field. Students may choose from Equine Education, Equine Physiology or Industry Management
concentrations. Only the top qualified applicants are invited for an interview at
the applicant’s expense, prior to final acceptance into the program. Faculty members
mentor students in curriculum development and provide training in scientific methods,
principles of equine student education and instruction, and general industry practices.
All M.S. degree candidates share a common core of coursework in statistics, research
methods, and multiple disciplines in horse science and animal science. A significant
number of elective credit hours are available, permitting each student to customize
the program with courses in other departments. A limited number of graduate teaching
assistantships are available.

Graduate student uses equine therapy to aid veterans

Horse Science M.S. graduate Sarah English and university horses have helped U.S. military
veterans in a collaborative program between MTSU’s horse science program and the local
Veterans Recovery Center. Veterans can enroll in the 10-week class, called the Center
of Equine Recovery for Veterans (CERV), as part of their recovery plan. English, an
advanced instructor through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship
International (PATH Intl.), says equine therapy helps veterans strengthen communication
and build confidence. The CERV program, the master’s project for English, is one area
in the growing field of Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies. “To be able to watch
these individuals discover hope and renew belief in themselves and be able to reintegrate
in their community was just beyond description,” says English, now an MTSU instructor.
“Horses are like mirrors; they respond to a person's body language. In this, the horse
becomes an instant 'bio-feedback' machine, enabling the participant to recognize behaviors
or emotions that are dwelling beneath the surface.” The horses utilized for CERV,
including Major, Dollar, Jay-R, and Harley, also compete and are used in MTSU equine
classes. (Photo by Angel Pardue)

MTSU students teach horsemanship clinics in Europe

Horse Science graduate students Helen Hardy, Ariel Herrin and Andrea (Smith) Rego
conducted international horsemanship clinics in Europe in summer 2015 after MTSU won
a grant from the American Quarter Horse Association. Dr. Holly Spooner, director of
the Horse Science master’s program, headed up the overseas trip that also included
undergraduates Seneca Ewing and Delaney Rostad. “The chance to travel to these countries
and see other parts of the world, all while spreading my passion of the American Quarter
Horse, is without a doubt the experience of a lifetime," says Herrin, a 2014 world
champion. The Middle Tennessee State University students expanded their teaching and
horsemanship skills while meeting new friends in Sweden and England, Spooner says.
"We definitely learned that the language of horses is universal,” Rego says. Hardy
says she learned from both participants and fellow clinicians: "I am so fortunate
to have gained a unique perspective on the international industry that have benefitted
me as an instructor and rider."

A wide variety of careers are associated with the horse industry. A student’s talent
may pertain directly to horses or to science, education, marketing, management, or
business. Some potential career options with advanced degrees in Horse Science follow:

Instructor or program coordinator of therapeutic riding and equine-assisted therapies

Journalist for major horse publications (breed or discipline-specific magazines)

Pasture management specialist

Pharmaceutical representative for equine products

University instructor or teaching professor specializing in horses

Employers of MTSU alumni

This information is still being compiled since the Horse Science M.S. program is relatively
new.

Graduate

The Master of Science in Horse Science is offered with three concentrations:

Equine Education includes interdisciplinary courses in coaching and sports management to strengthen
knowledge for careers as collegiate riding instructors, equestrian team coaches, horse
judging team coaches, or agents for the Cooperative Extension Service.

Equine Physiology emphasizes an interdisciplinary, science-based curriculum structured to build knowledge
of scientific principles and apply these principles to a thesis research project related
to equine science. Students successfully completing the concentration are prepared
for admission into an animal science or equine science Ph.D. program. Students entering
this concentration must have a strong foundation in undergraduate biology and chemistry,
including organic chemistry.

Industry Management allows students to complete interdisciplinary courses in business management, marketing,
and/or sports management to tailor their curriculum for specific industry-related
careers.

Equine Education or Industry Management students may choose a research-based thesis
or a non-thesis equine experiential learning option. Equine Physiology students must
complete a research-based thesis.

The selection procedure is a two-phase process. Based on a review of applications
to the M.S. Horse Science program, qualified students are invited for an interview
at their expense. Not all applicants are invited for the personal interview.

Undergraduate

Undergraduate students who wish to study Horse Science choose the concentration under
the Animal Science major and earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Other majors
in the School of Agriculture leading to a B.S. are Agribusiness, and Plant and Soil
Science.

Undergraduate and graduate minors are available in Agriculture.

Equine Education

Horse Science, Equine Education Concentration, M.S.

The School of Agriculture offers the Master of Science (M.S.) in Horse Science, designed to prepare graduates for the multifaceted equine industry. Students may choose one of three concentrations: Equine Education, Equine Physiology, or Industry Management.

Admission Requirements

Admissions are based on a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's qualifications including Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores or scores on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), undergraduate and graduate grade point average, letters of recommendation, and a personal interview.

Applicants who do not meet admission requirements but whose overall record indicates the potential for success may be considered for conditional admission. Students admitted conditionally must meet all conditions established by the Horse Science Graduate Committee in order to remain in the program.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

The application deadline is April 15 for those wishing to be considered for graduate assistantships and admission in the Summer or Fall. October 1 is the application deadline for admission in the Spring. Applications will be accepted after these dates, but admission consideration is not guaranteed.

submit three letters of recommendation from professors or professionals that address the applicant's potential to successfully complete an M.S. program in Horse Science;

submit official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Successful applicants typically have GRE Verbal and Quantitative scores exceeding 146 and 140 respectively (current scale) or 400 each (former scale), with a total combined score that exceeds 286 (current scale) or 800 (former scale) or a score above 385 on the MAT;

submit official transcripts of previous college work reflecting a 3.00 GPA from a minimum of 12 credit hours of upper-division, undergraduate animal science and/or equine science courses or equivalent industry experience as approved by the Horse Science Graduate Committee;

submit a letter of intent that addresses the following:

In 500 words or less, applicant should describe his/her horse experience to date (which may include but is not limited to college coursework, club/team involvement, breed/discipline groups, etc.) as well as other experiences which may have impacted the decision to pursue this degree; and

In 500 words or less, applicant should describe future plans and goals as they relate to obtaining an M.S. in Horse Science degree;

after application review, participate in an invited interview with the Horse Science Graduate Committee at the applicant's expense before final acceptance into the program.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Horse Science with a concentration in Equine Education requires completion of a 15-credit-hour core and 21 credit hours in a concentration.

Candidate must

successfully complete a written comprehensive examination (may be taken no more than twice) during the semester in which the candidate intends to graduate;

successfully complete and defend a thesis or equine experiential learning project; students have the option to conduct and complete a traditional research-based thesis project or to select a more contemporary non-thesis option.

All students in the graduate program will be expected to complete a minimum of two consecutive semesters of full-time study in residence at MTSU.

Curriculum: Horse Science, Equine Education

The Equine Education concentration offers a skill set needed to teach and provide instruction at a postsecondary equine program or leadership within the Cooperative Extension Service. Students in the Equine Education concentration have the option to conduct and complete a traditional, research-based thesis project or to select a more contemporary non-thesis option.

HORS 6170 - Issues in the Equine Industry

2credit hours

In-depth look at relevant events affecting the equine industry. Interaction with industry leaders provides a unique window to examine the issues affecting the horse industry. Oral and written reports on specific problems presented. Topics will vary depending upon the current issues important to the equine industry.

HORS 6440 - Advanced Equine Nutrition

3credit hours

A class in organic chemistry or biochemistry recommended. A biochemical approach to understanding the nutritional requirements for horses at various life stages, including maintenance, growth, reproduction, performance, age, and clinical support. Feeding management related to nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism. Current equine nutrition research and its applications to practical equine management emphasized.

Required Courses (12 hours)

HORS 6250 - Coaching and Teaching for Equine Competition

3credit hours

Teaching and coaching successful teams for college or youth equestrian and judging competitions. Utilizes current philosophies of teaching and coaching based on fundamental psychology of personalities and learning. Practice and assisting with teaching and coaching of youth and college teams will be required.

Understanding the legal basis for management actions, concepts of legal liability including torts, contracts, and constitutional law as applied to sport and leisure services organizations. Emphasis on the ability to plan, develop, and implement risk management programs.

HORS 6540 - Equine Experiential Learning

1 to 6credit hours

Prerequisite: Completion of 24 semester hours at the master's level. Practical experience gained while working with an equine-related program emphasizing hands-on involvement. Students will develop, implement, and conclude an applied project in consultation with a faculty member and approved by their committee. S/U grading.

ABAS 6640 - Thesis Research

1 to 6credit hours

Prerequisite: Completion of 24 hours of graduate-level course work. The completion of selected research problem, review of pertinent literature, collection and analysis of data, and preparation of the thesis. S/U grading.

Electives (9 hours)

In consultation with their committees, students must select a minimum 9 hours from graduate-level courses within the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, and/or the Jones College of Business. Of these, a minimum of 6 hours must be taken from courses with similar content rubrics (i.e., MKT, MGMT, LSM, ABAS, etc.). Students are limited to 3 hours at the 5000 level.

Program Notes

Candidate must

file a degree plan in the College of Graduate Studies prior to entry into the program;

file a Notice of Intent to Graduate form in the College of Graduate Studies within the first two weeks of the term in which candidate intends to graduate.

Equine Physiology

Horse Science, Equine Physiology Concentration, M.S.

The School of Agriculture offers the Master of Science (M.S.) in Horse Science, designed to prepare graduates for the multifaceted equine industry. Students may choose one of three concentrations: Equine Education, Equine Physiology, or Industry Management.

Admission Requirements

Admissions are based on a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's qualifications including Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores or scores on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), undergraduate and graduate grade point average, letters of recommendation, and a personal interview.

Applicants who do not meet admission requirements but whose overall record indicates the potential for success may be considered for conditional admission. Students admitted conditionally must meet all conditions established by the Horse Science Graduate Committee in order to remain in the program.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

The application deadline is April 15 for those wishing to be considered for graduate assistantships and admission in the Summer or Fall. October 1 is the application deadline for admission in the Spring. Applications will be accepted after these dates, but admission consideration is not guaranteed.

submit three letters of recommendation from professors or professionals that address the applicant's potential to successfully complete an M.S. program in Horse Science;

submit official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Successful applicants typically have GRE Verbal and Quantitative scores exceeding 146 and 140 respectively (current scale) or 400 each (former scale), with a total combined score that exceeds 286 (current scale) or 800 (former scale) or a score above 385 on the MAT;

submit official transcripts of previous college work reflecting a 3.00 GPA from a minimum of 12 credit hours of upper-division, undergraduate animal science and/or equine science courses or equivalent industry experience as approved by the Horse Science Graduate Committee;

submit a letter of intent that addresses the following:

In 500 words or less, applicant should describe his/her horse experience to date (which may include but is not limited to college coursework, club/team involvement, breed/discipline groups, etc.) as well as other experiences which may have impacted the decision to pursue this degree; and

In 500 words or less, applicant should describe future plans and goals as they relate to obtaining an M.S. in Horse Science degree;

after application review, participate in an invited interview with the Horse Science Graduate Committee at the applicant's expense before final acceptance into the program.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Horse Science with a concentration in Equine Physiology requires completion of a 15-credit-hour core and 21 credit hours in a concentration.

Candidate must

successfully complete a written comprehensive examination (may be taken no more than twice) during the semester in which the candidate intends to graduate;

successfully complete and defend a thesis project;

all students in the graduate program will be expected to complete a minimum of two consecutive semesters of full-time study in residence at MTSU.

Curriculum: Horse Science, Equine Physiology

The Equine Physiology concentration emphasizes an interdisciplinary, science-based curriculum structured to build knowledge of scientific principles and apply them to a thesis research project related to equine science.

HORS 6170 - Issues in the Equine Industry

2credit hours

In-depth look at relevant events affecting the equine industry. Interaction with industry leaders provides a unique window to examine the issues affecting the horse industry. Oral and written reports on specific problems presented. Topics will vary depending upon the current issues important to the equine industry.

HORS 6440 - Advanced Equine Nutrition

3credit hours

A class in organic chemistry or biochemistry recommended. A biochemical approach to understanding the nutritional requirements for horses at various life stages, including maintenance, growth, reproduction, performance, age, and clinical support. Feeding management related to nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism. Current equine nutrition research and its applications to practical equine management emphasized.

ABAS 6640 - Thesis Research

1 to 6credit hours

Prerequisite: Completion of 24 hours of graduate-level course work. The completion of selected research problem, review of pertinent literature, collection and analysis of data, and preparation of the thesis. S/U grading.

Electives to be selected in consultation with the advisor (6 credit hours)

NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.

Industry Management

Horse Science, Industry Management Concentration, M.S.

The School of Agriculture offers the Master of Science (M.S.) in Horse Science, designed to prepare graduates for the multifaceted equine industry. Students may choose one of three concentrations: Equine Education, Equine Physiology, or Industry Management.

Admission Requirements

Admissions are based on a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's qualifications including Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores or scores on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), undergraduate and graduate grade point average, letters of recommendation, and a personal interview.

Applicants who do not meet admission requirements but whose overall record indicates the potential for success may be considered for conditional admission. Students admitted conditionally must meet all conditions established by the Horse Science Graduate Committee in order to remain in the program.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

The application deadline is April 15 for those wishing to be considered for graduate assistantships and admission in the Summer or Fall. October 1 is the application deadline for admission in the Spring. Applications will be accepted after these dates, but admission consideration is not guaranteed.

submit three letters of recommendation from professors or professionals that address the applicant's potential to successfully complete an M.S. program in Horse Science;

submit official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Successful applicants typically have GRE Verbal and Quantitative scores exceeding 146 and 140 respectively (current scale) or 400 each (former scale), with a total combined score that exceeds 286 (current scale) or 800 (former scale) or a score above 385 on the MAT;

submit official transcripts of previous college work reflecting a 3.00 GPA from a minimum of 12 credit hours of upper-division, undergraduate animal science and/or equine science courses or equivalent industry experience as approved by the Horse Science Graduate Committee;

submit a letter of intent that addresses the following:

In 500 words or less, applicant should describe his/her horse experience to date (which may include but is not limited to college coursework, club/team involvement, breed/discipline groups, etc.) as well as other experiences which may have impacted the decision to pursue this degree; and

In 500 words or less, applicant should describe future plans and goals as they relate to obtaining an M.S. in Horse Science degree;

after application review, participate in an invited interview with the Horse Science Graduate Committee at the applicant's expense before final acceptance into the program.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Horse Science with a concentration in Industry Management requires completion of a 15-credit-hour core and 21 credit hours in a concentration.

Candidate must

successfully complete a written comprehensive examination (may be taken no more than twice) during the semester in which the candidate intends to graduate;

All students in the graduate program will be expected to complete a minimum of two consecutive semesters of full-time study in residence at MTSU.

Curriculum: Horse Science, Industry Management

The curriculum is structured for a specific industry-related career in the Industry Management concentration. Students have the option to conduct and complete a traditional, research-based thesis project or to select a more contemporary non-thesis option.

HORS 6170 - Issues in the Equine Industry

2credit hours

In-depth look at relevant events affecting the equine industry. Interaction with industry leaders provides a unique window to examine the issues affecting the horse industry. Oral and written reports on specific problems presented. Topics will vary depending upon the current issues important to the equine industry.

HORS 6440 - Advanced Equine Nutrition

3credit hours

A class in organic chemistry or biochemistry recommended. A biochemical approach to understanding the nutritional requirements for horses at various life stages, including maintenance, growth, reproduction, performance, age, and clinical support. Feeding management related to nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism. Current equine nutrition research and its applications to practical equine management emphasized.

Required Courses (12 hours)

HORS 6040 - Management of Equine Events and Facilities

3credit hours

Prerequisite: 12 hours of upper-division HORS courses. Fundamentals of managing equine and other livestock events and facilities. Emphasis placed on active participation in management of equine events held at MTSU facilities.

HORS 6540 - Equine Experiential Learning

1 to 6credit hours

Prerequisite: Completion of 24 semester hours at the master's level. Practical experience gained while working with an equine-related program emphasizing hands-on involvement. Students will develop, implement, and conclude an applied project in consultation with a faculty member and approved by their committee. S/U grading.

ABAS 6640 - Thesis Research

1 to 6credit hours

Prerequisite: Completion of 24 hours of graduate-level course work. The completion of selected research problem, review of pertinent literature, collection and analysis of data, and preparation of the thesis. S/U grading.

MGMT 6100 - Strategic Decision Making

3credit hours

Prerequisite: MGMT 3610 or MGMT 6000. Managerial theory and practice of solving problems, making decisions, and developing strategies for services and/or products. Emphasis on developing practical responses to decision issues using creativity and innovation in a team environment. (This course is not open to students earning a Master of Business Administration degree.)

MGMT 6300 - Not-for-Profit Management and Governance

3credit hours

Prerequisite: MGMT 3610 or MGMT 6600 or permission of department. Focuses on the management theories and practices that impact effective management and governance of organizations in the not-for-profit sector. Emphasizes management decision making within the not-for-profit context and will be one of two core courses in the Master's of Science in Management Social Innovation and Not-for-Profit concentration curriculum.

MGMT 6740 - Leadership and Motivation

3credit hours

Issues in leadership and motivation in business organizations. An examination of the theoretical framework for leadership and motivation processes serves as foundation. Emphasis on practical issues and applications of leadership development and motivation.

MKT 6810 - Promotional Strategy

3credit hours

Promotional goals, plans, and concepts in marketing; the role of marketing communication in society; the organization, budgeting, and scheduling of promotion; innovation and the adoption process; managerial decision making in the promotional mix.

Channels used in direct marketing with an emphasis on electronic commerce; strategic differences among the channels of direct marketing and the managerial implications of each. The impact of changing technology, regulations, and privacy issues.

MKT 6880 - Sport and Entertainment Marketing

Prerequisite: MKT 6000 or MKT 6800. Issues pertaining to marketing in the sport and entertainment industries. Focuses on role of sponsorship in a firm's marketing strategy.

Electives (9 hours)

In consultation with their committees, students must select a minimum of 9 hours from graduate-level courses in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, the College of Education, and/or the Jones College of Business. Of these, a minimum of 6 hours must be taken from courses with similar content rubrics (i.e., MKT, MGMT, LSM, ABAS, etc.). Students may take a maximum of 12 hours of electives selected from the MGMT, MKT, and or MC rubrics. Students are limited to 6 hours at the 5000 level.

Program Notes

Candidate must

file a degree plan in the College of Graduate Studies prior to entry into the program;

file a Notice of Intent to Graduate form in the College of Graduate Studies within the first two weeks of the term in which candidate intends to graduate.

Applicant Selection Procedure

The selection procedure is a two-phase process and normally begins at the April 15
and Oct. 1 deadlines for Fall and Spring admission.

The first phase is objective. The Horse Science Graduate Selection Committee evaluates
academic transcripts for overall GPA and completion of at least 12 credits of upper-division,
horse science and/or animal science undergraduate courses with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
Each applicant’s GRE or MAT scores are evaluated, and letters of recommendation are
reviewed. The first phase will not begin until applicants have submitted all required
portions of their application to the College of Graduate Studies. Admission is not
guaranteed by meeting minimal admission requirements. Students are selected from a
pool of qualified applicants.

The second phase involves an evaluation of non-academic attributes of individuals
selected only after completion of the first phase. This includes a personal interview
with the Horse Science Graduate Selection Committee, by invitation for qualified applicants
only. Travel to and from the personal interview is done at the applicant’s expense.
Not all applicants are invited for the personal interview. Characteristics evaluated
during the personal interview include, but are not limited to, motivation, maturity,
leadership potential, personal qualities, experience with horses, knowledge of the
horse industry, professionalism, long-term goals, and potential fit in our Horse Science
M.S. program.

Degree Plan forms

Facilities

Financial Assistance

A limited number of graduate teaching assistantships are available for M.S. in Horse
Science students. Stipends for Graduate Teaching Assistants and Graduate Research
Assistants are determined by the College of Graduate Studies based on a review of
market factors and the availability of funds. Stipends awarded through external funds
such as grants may vary in amount from other assistantships awarded by the university.

All applicants to the M.S. in Horse Science program meeting the minimum GPA qualification
of 3.00 will be considered for Graduate Teaching Assistantships. Graduate Teaching
Assistant positions are very limited and are awarded on a competitive basis, at either
a full or half level. These assistantships include partial or full payment of tuition
and some (but not all) fees, and a monthly stipend. GTA assignments are provided for
both Fall and Spring semesters. Once awarded a GTA position, it is renewable each
semester unless a GTA fails to meet expectations.

The Office of Financial Aid provides financial assistance to qualified students. Results
from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are required before eligibility
can be determined for financial aid programs.